Relaxing on the deck with the gentle burning of firewood in the fire pit is one of life's simplest pleasures. As you sit back, perhaps sipping a hard-earned glass of wine with friends or enjoying a meal with your family, you'll feel the warm and welcoming embrace of a campfire.

However, it's important to choose the right wood-burning fire pit for your patio, otherwise you could end up with a product that damages your outdoor space.

When you think of a wood-burning patio fire pit, you may immediately think of a traditional bowl-shaped vessel that has a fire at its center. But in reality, fire pits come in all shapes and sizes, and understanding the different options will help you make an important decision.

- The classic fire pit design. Fire pits are usually made of metal and come in a variety of shapes and sizes with a large space for burning wood. For most people, these are good options that provide a good source of heat and add style to your yard. Here are the classic fire pit shapes from Corten Steel.

- Often used for burning garden waste, but also makes a great fire pit for outdoor spaces.

- Unlike the open design of a fire pit, a chimenea is an enclosed fire pit with a chimney on top. A chimenea fire pit is perfect for smaller spaces, especially patios, because it can be mounted on a stand.